Life – it’s a beautifully woven fabric of joy, sorrow, struggle, triumph, and thousands of moments that define us.
We all traverse unique paths, yet the unifying thread across cultures, geographies, and time is our ability to shape our lives.
The concept that life is what you make it stands as an age-old philosophy, serving as a source of inspiration and a beacon of resilience in the face of adversity.
We present you with a remarkable selection of life is what you make it quotes. These powerful words, spoken by the wise and celebrated, could serve as guiding lights, providing you the needed clarity to navigate your journey.
1. “Life is what we make it, always has been, always will be.”
—Grandma Moses
An American folk artist, Grandma Moses lends a simple, yet profound truth. Our life is the canvas, and we, the artists, hold the power to paint it as we wish.
So, what is the significance of this quote?
This timeless wisdom serves as a gentle reminder that our life’s trajectory is predominantly under our control, echoing the essence of life is what you make it sentiment.
2. “The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams.”
—Oprah Winfrey
Oprah, a woman of substance and an epitome of self-made success, nudges us towards following our dreams and embracing the adventure that life is.
Why is this quote important?
This quote urges us to pursue our passions, thereby making our life the exciting and fulfilling adventure we desire it to be. It’s another example of how life is what you make it.
3. “Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.”
—George Bernard Shaw
The famed Irish playwright and co-founder of the London School of Economics, Shaw, beautifully captures the essence of life being a creative process.
How does this quote resonate with the theme of ‘life is what you make it’?
This quote reflects the idea that life is not a pre-defined pathway but an open field for us to forge our path, reflecting the life is what you make it philosophy.
4. “In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility.”
—Eleanor Roosevelt
Eleanor Roosevelt, the longest-serving First Lady of the United States, shares a profound perspective on life and the continuous process of shaping it.
Why does this quote resonate?
This quote inspires us to take ownership of our choices, underscoring the life is what you make it ethos. It reminds us that our decisions, big or small, weave the tapestry of our lives.
5. “Life has no limitations, except the ones you make.”
—Les Brown
Motivational speaker and author Les Brown encourages us to break free from self-imposed boundaries and realize life’s limitless possibilities.
What makes this quote remarkable?
It embodies the life is what you make it spirit, urging us to eradicate self-doubt and limiting beliefs, thereby expanding our horizons and enriching our life experiences.
6. “Your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change.”
—Jim Rohn
Esteemed entrepreneur and motivational speaker Jim Rohn emphasizes the significance of change for self-improvement.
What’s the crux of this quote?
It aligns with the life is what you make it concept by reminding us that our lives improve not by mere luck, but by our conscious choices and actions that drive change.
7. “Believe you can and you’re halfway there.”
—Theodore Roosevelt
Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States, motivates us to have faith in our capabilities.
How does this quote echo the ‘life is what you make it’ belief?
The quote amplifies the idea that our mindset and beliefs play a pivotal role in shaping our lives, consistent with the life is what you make it philosophy.
8. “The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson
Ralph Waldo Emerson, a renowned essayist and poet, provides a profound perspective on life’s purpose.
Why is this quote noteworthy?
The quote, with its focus on living a meaningful life, enhances the life is what you make it principle, urging us to strive for a life that leaves a positive imprint on the world.
9. “It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.”
—Epictetus
Epictetus, the Greek Stoic philosopher, throws light on the importance of our reactions over situations.
How is this quote relevant to ‘life is what you make it’?
It strengthens the idea that our life’s course is not defined by circumstances but by our response to them, a testament to the life is what you make it philosophy.
10. “We are each responsible for our own life – no other person is or even can be.”
—Oprah Winfrey
Once again, Oprah encourages us to take responsibility for our lives, reminding us that the power to shape it resides within us.
What is the significance of this quote?
This quote underlines the essence of life is what you make it, advocating for personal responsibility and self-efficacy in constructing the path of our life.
11. “Your life becomes a masterpiece when you learn to master peace.”
—John Lennon
John Lennon, a member of the legendary band The Beatles, emphasizes the importance of inner peace.
What’s the message in this quote?
In tune with the life is what you make it philosophy, it stresses that achieving peace within oneself contributes to creating a life that is truly meaningful.
12. “If you don’t design your own life plan, chances are you’ll fall into someone else’s plan. And guess what they have planned for you? Not much.”
—Jim Rohn
Jim Rohn warns us against the perils of living without a personal life plan.
How does this quote contribute to the idea of ‘life is what you make it’?
This quote reiterates the life is what you make it philosophy by emphasizing that it’s crucial for us to actively design and steer our lives to avoid being swayed by others’ plans.
13. “Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.”
—Confucius
Confucius, the famous Chinese philosopher, offers a thought-provoking perspective on life’s simplicity.
What is the essence of this quote?
Aligning with the life is what you make it sentiment, it insinuates that the complications we encounter in life are often of our own making, and life itself is inherently simple.
14. “The good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge.”
—Bertrand Russell
Bertrand Russell, a British philosopher and Nobel laureate, shares his perspective on what constitutes a good life.
Why does this quote resonate with the theme of ‘life is what you make it’?
This quote promotes the idea that our lives are shaped by the emotions we harbor and the wisdom we seek, reflecting the life is what you make it ethos.
15. “Life is short, and it’s up to you to make it sweet.”
—Sarah Louise Delany
Sarah Louise Delany, an American educator and civil rights pioneer, encourages us to make the most of our lives.
What is the significance of this quote?
This quote embodies the spirit of life is what you make it, reminding us to seize every moment and infuse it with joy, effectively making life sweet.
16. “The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction, not a destination.”
—Carl Rogers
Carl Rogers, an influential American psychologist, shares his perspective on the nature of a good life.
How does this quote contribute to the idea of ‘life is what you make it’?
This quote upholds the life is what you make it belief, reminding us that life is an ongoing journey of growth, rather than a static state or a finite destination.
17. “The purpose of life is a life of purpose.”
—Robert Byrne
Renowned author Robert Byrne inspires us to lead a life marked by purpose.
Why is this quote noteworthy?
The quote reinforces the life is what you make it philosophy by suggesting that imbuing our life with purpose makes it worthwhile.
18. “In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: it goes on.”
—Robert Frost
Robert Frost, a celebrated American poet, encapsulates his learnings about life in three succinct words.
What’s the essence of this quote?
The quote underscores the life is what you make it ethos by highlighting the continuous, flowing nature of life, despite the hurdles we might face along the way.
19. “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.”
—Albert Einstein
Albert Einstein, one of the most influential physicists of the 20th century, compares life to riding a bicycle.
How does this quote resonate with ‘life is what you make it’?
This quote aligns with the life is what you make it perspective, emphasizing that to maintain equilibrium in life, we must keep forging ahead, regardless of the obstacles we encounter.
20. “The best way to predict your future is to create it.”
—Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, urges us to take charge of our future.
What’s the message in this quote?
This quote exemplifies the life is what you make it philosophy by promoting the idea that we are not merely at the mercy of fate, but rather the architects of our own future.
21. “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.”
—Helen Keller
Helen Keller, an American author and political activist who overcame being deaf and blind, inspires us to view life as an adventure.
How is this quote relevant to ‘life is what you make it’?
The quote resonates with the life is what you make it philosophy by encouraging us to approach life with courage and curiosity, thereby turning it into a thrilling adventure.
22. “The biggest risk is not taking any risk. In a world that’s changing really quickly, the only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks.”
—Mark Zuckerberg
Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg emphasizes the importance of risk-taking.
Why is this quote noteworthy?
This quote aligns with the life is what you make it belief by suggesting that taking risks is an integral part of crafting an exciting and rewarding life.
23. “To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.”
—Oscar Wilde
Oscar Wilde, the famed Irish writer, prods us to truly live rather than merely exist.
What is the significance of this quote?
The quote amplifies the life is what you make it sentiment, urging us to fully experience and engage with life, rather than just drifting through it passively.
24. “Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.”
—John Lennon
John Lennon enlightens us on the unpredictable nature of life.
How does this quote echo the ‘life is what you make it’ belief?
This quote highlights the importance of being adaptable and open to life’s surprises, resonating with the life is what you make it idea that life is a dynamic, ever-changing journey.
25. “Don’t count the days, make the days count.”
—Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali, the legendary boxer, encourages us to make the most of each day.
What’s the essence of this quote?
This quote embodies the life is what you make it ethos by inspiring us to imbue each day with purpose and meaning, thereby enriching our lives.
26. “Your time is limited, don’t waste it living someone else’s life.”
—Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple Inc., urges us to live our own life instead of imitating someone else’s.
What’s the message in this quote?
This quote reflects the life is what you make it philosophy by advocating for authenticity and individuality in crafting our life journey.
27. “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”
—Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln impresses upon us the value of leading a vibrant and fulfilling life.
Why does this quote resonate with the theme of ‘life is what you make it’?
This quote embodies the life is what you make it sentiment, emphasizing the importance of quality over quantity when it comes to life experiences.
28. “Don’t watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going.”
—Sam Levenson
Sam Levenson, an American humorist, provides a metaphorical push for us to persist in our endeavors.
How is this quote relevant to ‘life is what you make it’?
This quote complements the life is what you make it belief by encouraging us to keep moving forward, no matter the hurdles, thereby enabling us to shape our lives productively.
29. “Life is a journey that must be traveled no matter how bad the roads and accommodations.”
—Oliver Goldsmith
Oliver Goldsmith, a famous Irish novelist, draws an analogy between life and a journey.
What is the essence of this quote?
This quote reinforces the life is what you make it perspective, underlining the necessity of enduring life’s challenges while striving to create a rewarding journey.
30. “The good life is one that’s artistically made.”
—John Fowles
John Fowles, a renowned English novelist, suggests viewing life as an art.
What’s the crux of this quote?
The quote aligns with the life is what you make it ethos by emphasizing the role of creativity and artistic imagination in shaping an enriching life.
31. “Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it.”
—Charles R. Swindoll
Charles R. Swindoll, a renowned author and preacher, emphasizes our reaction to life’s events.
Why is this quote noteworthy?
The quote upholds the life is what you make it philosophy by suggesting that our responses to life’s happenings significantly shape our experience of life.
32. “Believe that life is worth living and your belief will help create the fact.”
—William James
William James, a prominent philosopher and psychologist, promotes optimism and belief in life’s worthiness.
What is the significance of this quote?
This quote amplifies the life is what you make it sentiment, urging us to harness the power of belief in creating a worthwhile life.
33. “It’s your place in the world; it’s your life. Go on and do all you can with it, and make it the life you want to live.”
—Mae Jemison
Mae Jemison, the first African American woman astronaut in space, inspires us to seize life and shape it according to our desires.
What’s the essence of this quote?
This quote embodies the life is what you make it ethos by encouraging us to actively engage with life and mold it into the life we aspire to live.
34. “Don’t be pushed around by the fears in your mind. Be led by the dreams in your heart.”
—Roy T. Bennett
Roy T. Bennett, a successful self-help author, counsels us to let our dreams guide our life path.
How does this quote echo the ‘life is what you make it’ belief?
This quote aligns with the life is what you make it idea, emphasizing the importance of following our dreams instead of succumbing to our fears.
35. “Life is too important to be taken seriously.”
—Oscar Wilde
Oscar Wilde, with his characteristic wit, implores us to maintain a light-hearted attitude towards life.
How is this quote relevant to ‘life is what you make it’?
This quote reflects the life is what you make it philosophy by promoting a sense of levity and playfulness, which can greatly enhance our life experience.
36. “Life is short, and it’s up to you to make it sweet.”
—Sarah Louise Delany
Sarah Louise Delany, an African American educator and civil rights pioneer, encourages us to infuse sweetness into our lives.
What’s the message in this quote?
This quote embodies the life is what you make it philosophy by emphasizing our role in adding joy and positivity to our lives.
37. “Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.”
—George Bernard Shaw
George Bernard Shaw, the Nobel Prize-winning Irish playwright, offers an insightful perspective on life.
Why is this quote notable?
This quote reinforces the life is what you make it sentiment by suggesting that we have the power and responsibility to create ourselves, rather than merely discover who we are.
38. “Life is like a coin. You can spend it any way you wish, but you only spend it once.”
—Lillian Dickson
Lillian Dickson, a well-known missionary and author, compares life to a coin.
How does this quote echo the ‘life is what you make it’ belief?
This quote aligns with the life is what you make it ethos by reminding us of life’s singularity and our freedom to choose how we spend it.
39. “Life is a ticket to the greatest show on earth.”
—Martin H. Fischer
Martin H. Fischer, a distinguished academic, views life as a ticket to a grand show.
What’s the essence of this quote?
This quote complements the life is what you make it philosophy, underlining the intrinsic beauty and thrill of life that we should cherish and enjoy.
40. “Life is a mirror and will reflect back to the thinker what he thinks into it.”
—Ernest Holmes
Ernest Holmes, the founder of the New Thought spiritual movement, propounds that life reflects our thoughts.
What’s the crux of this quote?
The quote resonates with the life is what you make it sentiment by emphasizing the influential power of our thoughts in shaping our life experience.
41. “Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.”
—Confucius
The ancient Chinese philosopher, Confucius, advises us to embrace simplicity.
Why is this quote significant?
The quote echoes the life is what you make it philosophy by suggesting that we often complicate life unnecessarily, and by choosing simplicity, we can make life more enjoyable.
42. “The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson
Ralph Waldo Emerson, a key figure in the transcendentalist movement, inspires us to lead a purposeful life.
What’s the message of this quote?
This quote underlines the life is what you make it sentiment by defining life’s purpose beyond mere personal happiness—advocating for compassion, honor, and usefulness.
43. “The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams.”
—Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey, one of the most influential women in the world, advocates for the pursuit of dreams.
How is this quote relevant to ‘life is what you make it’?
The quote aligns with the life is what you make it belief by urging us to chase our dreams to lead an adventurous and fulfilling life.
44. “Life is what we make it, always has been, always will be.”
—Grandma Moses
Grandma Moses, a renowned folk artist, reaffirms our central role in shaping our lives.
Why is this quote notable?
This quote epitomizes the life is what you make it ethos by emphasizing our power and responsibility in crafting our life narrative.
45. “Life is either a great adventure or nothing.”
—Helen Keller
Helen Keller, once again, inspires us to approach life as a grand adventure.
What’s the crux of this quote?
The quote reinforces the life is what you make it perspective by encouraging us to live boldly and audaciously, transforming life into a great adventure.
46. “Life is an opportunity, benefit from it. Life is beauty, admire it. Life is a dream, realize it. Life is a challenge, meet it. Life is a duty, complete it. Life is a game, play it. Life is a promise, fulfill it. Life is sorrow, overcome it. Life is a song, sing it. Life is a struggle, accept it. Life is a tragedy, confront it. Life is an adventure, dare it. Life is luck, make it. Life is too precious, do not destroy it. Life is life, fight for it.”
—Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa, the saint of the gutters, provides a comprehensive outlook on life.
What’s the message in this quote?
This quote beautifully encapsulates the life is what you make it philosophy by suggesting various ways to engage with life—encouraging us to benefit, admire, realize, meet, complete, play, fulfill, overcome, sing, accept, confront, dare, make, and fight for life.
47. “The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.”
—Eleanor Roosevelt
Eleanor Roosevelt, a former First Lady of the United States, urges us to live life to the fullest.
Why is this quote notable?
This quote amplifies the life is what you make it sentiment, promoting the idea of fully living and experiencing life, constantly reaching out for new and enriching experiences.
48. “Life is like a game of cards. The hand you are dealt is determinism; the way you play it is free will.”
—Jawaharlal Nehru
Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, likens life to a game of cards.
How is this quote relevant to ‘life is what you make it’?
This quote embodies the life is what you make it belief, emphasizing the interplay between determinism and free will in shaping our life.
49. “Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson
Ralph Waldo Emerson reminds us that life’s lessons are best understood through lived experiences.
What’s the essence of this quote?
This quote aligns with the life is what you make it philosophy by suggesting that the process of living, with all its ups and downs, is a journey of learning and understanding.
50. “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.”
—Albert Einstein
Albert Einstein, one of the greatest minds in human history, compares life to riding a bicycle.
What’s the crux of this quote?
The quote reinforces the life is what you make it perspective, reminding us of the importance of maintaining momentum and balance in life.
